Life of Larisa or LOL

Since I have hiked the easternmost point of O'ahu (Makapu'u Lighthouse) and the westernmost point of O'ahu (Ka'ena Point), today seemed as good a day as any to hike the northernmost point: Kahuku Point.  Both kids were off from school, so we hopped in the car with our Thursday Trail hiking buddy and set out towards Turtle Bay.  Internet research and helpful social media posts from a fellow hiking mommy helped point us to where we needed to be---the Beach Access Public parking at the famous Turtle Bay Resort. (Free and safe.) We started the trail on the backside of the hotel and immediately found ourselves walking in the sand--- not the greatest with tennis shoes . We quickly figured out that a pine needle covered path lay directly above us and we detoured to the tree covered path with less sand resistance.  The sand and huge surf were our constant companions as we walked past Keiki Pool (a protected swim hole), past parts of Turtle Bay golf course (thankfully no rogue f...

I conquered the mountain in the back of Manoa Valley. I did it! I successfully walked in and out...without the aid of friendly firefighters, EMTs, or suggested rescue helicopters.  Why might I need any of those aids you wonder? It's not a hard trail. It is uphill, it has slippery roots, when it rains there is mud...but of all the hikes I now have under my belt, Pu'u Pia is not particularly dangerous or difficult.  Unless...you are me five years ago. Unless you are tired, baby wearing your ten month old, wearing subpar tennis shoes, and trip on a slippery root that then pulls you down abruptly, twisting your foot and ankle into an awkward unnatural position. Then this trail is the worst and leaves you filled with anxiety.  But on an overcast Tuesday, with my bestie and now five year old (not necessary to wear) with me, I conquered. I persisted. I completed Pu'u Pia. I can proudly check it off my list.  I armed myself with high quality hiking boots (to protect my ankle...

First day of school intersession, we laced up our oldest, dirtiest sneakers, filled our water bottles, packed our snacks, and headed over the mountains to windy and cloudy Kane'ohe for a hike! Pu'u Ma'eli'eli or the digging hill trail, was an uphill, muddy at times, root filled, berry filled, view filled hiking adventure. We had a large group by our standards---three adults and three boys (two teens and a preschooler). We made it up in pretty good time (under 45 minutes) and cruised on top of the Pillbox at the end of the hike for a long time taking in the sweeping coastline view. To our left, Chinaman's Hat (Mokoli'i), to our far right Rabbit Island (Manana), in front of us Kane'ohe Marine Corp Base and Kane'ohe Bay.  Although the weather was good for hiking, not too humid, not too hot, it made for a slightly blurred and overcast view from the top. We were all already wowed with the view on a drizzly gray day---a testament to how amazing this view must ...

In my previous post I gushed about my birthday eve hike to Hanauma Bay Ridge. On my actual birthday however, I spent part of the afternoon exploring the upper portion of Waimano Trail---it has tunnels! And zombie intel...apparently they exist.  We met new hiking friends at the trail head in Pearl City (across from Pearl City High School) and began our hike a little after lunch time with three kids all under age five between us. They were all great hiking companions...and the perfect heights for the tunnels we explored. I have done the lower portion of this hike a couple of times, but for some reason never ventured to the upper trail, which after exploring a portion of it, I think I prefer.  There were lush views of the valley, flowers and berries along the trail, old rock walls for added interest, a couple of sweeping views of West O'ahu, and the perfect snapshot/snacking bench.  Flashlights and hard hats suggested for these tunnels. Flashlights to see...hard hats to pro...